System, apparatus and method for growing marijuana

ABSTRACT

Systems, apparatuses and methods for growing marijuana plants, particularly for regulated purposes, for example medical purposes or in some jurisdictions recreational purposes, have automated subsystems with sensors to provide feedback information about system, apparatus and plant growth parameters to one or more controllers so that the one or more controllers can alter one or more parameters to provide optimal conditions for the growing and harvesting of the marijuana plants. In particular aspects, the systems, apparatuses and methods provide for control of odors produced during the growing of marijuana, root management of the marijuana plants and control over important levels of chemicals provided to the plants, for example enzymes and flavor additives.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/493,710, filed Apr. 21, 2017, which is a continuation under 35 U.S.C.111(a) of International Application No. PCT/CA2015/051054 filed Oct. 20,2015 and published as WO 2016/061672 on Apr. 28, 2016, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/066,568 filed Oct. 21,2014, the entire contents of each of which are herein incorporated byreference.

FIELD

This application relates to horticulture, in particular to the growingof marijuana under controlled conditions.

BACKGROUND

Medical marijuana (marihuana) production in Canada must comply with theHealth Canada imposed regulations, which are among the strictest in theworld. With respect to the plants themselves little guidance is given toany specific growth method, but certain conditions are imposed. Growingareas may not give off odors or emit pollen. And, final product must becapable of passing strict lab testing for both inorganics such aspesticides or heavy metals which may not be present, and also organicssuch as mold spores, mildew, bacteria etc., which also may not bepresent.

Given these requirements certain growing conditions are thus dictated.The plants must be protected from exposure to any of the above sourcesof contamination in their air or water. They may not be treated with anypesticides that might end up in the final product which are notpermitted there. The growing conditions should prevent the formation ofany mold or mildew even if there is growth potential. Odors and pollenmust be controlled. Human factors of contamination must be eliminated asmuch as possible.

From a commercial standpoint other conditions are dictated. Whateverfacility is used to grow the plants, the growing area is preferablycompact and space efficient, resource frugal, designed to minimize humanresources, designed to minimize and isolate crop loss, designed tominimize growth time of a crop, adaptable to existing buildings andstructures, designed to allow for product customization for marketdifferentiation, designed to minimize the knowledge needed tosuccessfully operate the system and designed to allow for easyconsultation with experts if there is a problem.

In light of the above conditions, a system for managing plant growthwhich meets all the regulatory requirements and produces optimizedyields of customized products at an accelerated growth rate compared toother methods of production while using less resources is desirable.Such systems would ideally be fully automated to minimize human contactwith the plants, to allow the system to operate with minimal humanresources, and to notify an operator when attention is required ratherthan having to be watched constantly.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for growing marijuanaplants comprising: a growth chamber containing a climate controlledmicro-climate under negative air pressure; at least one marijuana plantsupport structure situated in the growth chamber, the plant supportstructure configured to support a marijuana plant whereby roots of themarijuana plant are exposed to air in the growth chamber; a watermanagement system in fluid communication with the plant supportstructure configured to deliver water and other chemical components toat least the roots of the marijuana plant; at least one sensorconfigured to sense at least one parameter of the growth chamber, watermanagement system or marijuana plant; and, a controller in electroniccommunication with the at least one sensor and one or more of the growthchamber and water management system, the controller configured tocontrol the growth chamber, water management system or both in responseto a signal from the at least one sensor.

In one aspect, there is provided a method of growing marijuana plantscomprising: providing at least one marijuana plant in a growth chambercontaining a climate controlled micro-climate under negative airpressure whereby roots of the marijuana plant are exposed to air in thegrowth chamber; automatically delivering water and other chemicalcomponents to at least the roots of the marijuana plant; automaticallydetermining at least one parameter of the growth chamber, water, otherchemical components or marijuana plant; and, automatically controllingthe growth chamber, water, other chemical components or any combinationthereof in response to the determining of the at least one parameter.

In one aspect, there is provided a marijuana plant produced by growingmarijuana plants by a method as defined above.

In one aspect, there is provided a vendible portion of a marijuana plantcomprising levels of a flavoring elevated beyond naturally occurringlevels of the flavoring.

In one aspect, there is provided a system comprising: a plurality ofautomated apparatuses for growing marijuana plants, each automatedapparatus comprising a dedicated controller, a dedicatedheating-ventilation-and-cooling (HVAC) component and one or more sensorsfor sensing one or more growth parameters; a central controller inelectronic communication with the one or more sensors of each automatedapparatus, the central controller configured to supervise the dedicatedcontrollers and implement set points for the one or more growthparameters at different stages of growth of the marijuana plants inresponse to signals received from the one or more sensors of eachautomated apparatus.

In one aspect, there is provided a facility for growing marijuanaplants, comprising: an apparatus for growing marijuana plants, theapparatus comprising a sensor for detecting odors escaping from theapparatus; and, a building comprising a climate controlled interiorspace under positive air pressure from air flowing into the interiorspace after being purified by at least one air filter, the apparatus forgrowing marijuana plants situated in the interior space, the buildingfurther comprising a controller for controlling climate in the interiorspace, the sensor for detecting odors in electronic communication withthe controller, and the controller configured to change the air pressurein the inner space from positive to negative when the sensor detectsodors escaping from the apparatus.

The facilities, systems, apparatuses and methods for growing marijuanaplants are especially suited for growing marijuana for regulatedpurposes, for example recreational and medical purposes. The facilities,systems, apparatuses and methods have automated subsystems with sensorsto provide feedback information about one or more parameters to one ormore controllers so that the one or more controllers can alter one ormore of parameters to provide optimal conditions for the growing andharvesting of the marijuana plants while respecting regulatory andenvironmental concerns. In particular aspects, the facilities, systems,apparatuses and methods provide for control of odors produced during thegrowing of marijuana, root management of the marijuana plants andcontrol over important levels of chemicals provided to the plants, forexample enzymes and flavor additives.

Further features will be described or will become apparent in the courseof the following detailed description. It should be understood that eachfeature described herein may be utilized in any combination with any oneor more of the other described features, and that each feature does notnecessarily rely on the presence of another feature except where evidentto one of skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For clearer understanding, preferred embodiments will now be describedin detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic side view of an embodiment of an apparatusfor growing marijuana plants comprising a growth chamber.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic plan view of the apparatus for growingmarijuana plants comprising a growth chamber.

FIG. 3 depicts a schematic diagram of a water treatment zone of a watermanagement system of the apparatus for growing marijuana plants.

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic diagram of a facility for growing marijuanaplants comprising a building having a climate controlled interior spaceunder positive pressure and a plurality of the apparatuses for growingmarijuana plants in the interior space.

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic diagram showing feedback control for afacility for growing marijuana plants.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Methods, apparatuses, systems and facilities for growing marijuanaplants involve various logical and physical subsystems that interact infeedback loops to provide the desired growing conditions whilecontrolling exposure of the plants to sources of contamination (e.g.pesticides, mold, mildew) in the air or water and while controllingodors and pollen produced by the growing marijuana plants. Humaninteraction with the subsystems may be minimized by automated controlwith feedback signals from various sensors in the system. Problemdetection may be mitigated by automatic adjustment of operationalparameters and alerts provided to an operator permitting the operator tointervene manually where required. The following is a description ofvarious logical and physical subsystems that may be present in marijuanaplant growing methods, apparatuses, systems and facilities of thepresent invention.

Micro-Climate Environment Subsystem

The micro-climate for growing marijuana plants is contained within aphysical structure, i.e. the growth chamber. The growth chambercomprises structures configured for planting and irrigating marijuanaplants, providing air flow through the growth chamber and past theplants in the growth chamber, illuminating the plants and controllingconditions of temperature, pressure and/or humidity in the growthchamber.

The structure for planting the marijuana plants may comprise anaeroponic structure that permits exposure of roots of the plant to airin the micro-climate while permitting an irrigation solution to besprayed on the roots. In one embodiment, the planting structurecomprises tubes, preferably oriented horizontally in the growth chamber,the tubes comprising apertures within which the marijuana plant issupported with the roots occupying a root zone within the tube.

Walls of the growth chamber may comprise any suitable material, forexample metal, plastic, composites and the like. Preferably, the wallscomprise a light reflective material. Preferably, the walls comprise aplastic composite. The growth chamber may comprise a self-containedcooling and ventilation (HVAC) system including, for example, one ormore air moving devices (e.g. fans, blowers, etc.), air conduits (e.g.tubes, ducts, etc.), air conditioners, air filters (e.g. carbon filters,HEPA filters, etc.), sensors (e.g. sensors for odor, humidity,temperature, pressure, etc.) and lamps for artificial illumination. Thegrowth chamber may further comprise one or more access panels forservice and maintenance of structures inside the growth chamber and forplanting of marijuana plants.

Temperature and humidity, as well as pressure, may be monitored atvarious points in the growth chamber and may be managed in a root zoneinside the plant support structure, stalk zone amongst the plantsthemselves and lamp zone at an upper section of the growth chamber wherethe lamps, and optionally lamp ballasts, may be located. The growthchamber may be designed to achieve a temperature gradient between alower portion and the upper portion of the growth chamber so that onlythe plants themselves are maintained at an optimal temperature andanything else is simply maintained within permissible operating rangesbut at significantly different, for example higher, temperatures thanthe plants.

Air may be introduced at any suitable location, for example proximate abase of the plants, not only to achieve the temperature gradient butalso to ensure there is adequate air circulating around every plant toreduce the chances of mold and mildew growth. One or more structures forintroducing a sanitizing agent (e.g. hydroxyl) into the growth chambermay also be included, preferably proximate the base of the plants, todeal with any accidental contamination of the plants. Airflow may befurther beneficial for causing plant swaying and motion, which helpsreduce dead air pockets as well as stimulating the plants to producemore fibrous stalks so they are more durable to handle, can support aheavy crop, and are less prone to wilting if undesirable conditionsaccidentally arise.

The cooling and ventilation system may operate mainly on recirculatedair for efficiency and to minimize the amount of air being filtered atthe inlet and outlet to the environment where contamination could enteror leave. The proportions of recirculated and new air may be adjustedautomatically by variable speed air movers if desired.

Micro-Climate Environment Measurements

Measurement of various parameters of the micro-climate and growthchamber permit feedback loops to a controller to control the parametersin order to optimize growing conditions for the marijuana plants andoperational functions of the growth chamber. Measurements may beacquired by various sensors and the sensors send signals to thecontroller, which acts on the signals in a manner consistent withprogramming of the controller. Parameters and sensors involved in themeasurement of the parameters may include, for example, the following.

Lamp Ballasts (Ballast Sensor). Lamp ballast sensors may be mounted oneach lamp ballast. Lamp ballast sensors may be used in conjunction withtemperature sensors in the upper section of the growth chamber to ensurethat the HVAC system keeps the temperature in upper section of thegrowth chamber within acceptable limits. The lamp ballast sensors mayalso propagate alerts to the controller so that operators may benotified. Lamp ballast sensors may optically receive and translatestatus codes presented by the indicator LED in individual lamp ballastsin a non-intrusive fashion. Status codes may include, for example,normal, over-voltage, under-voltage, lamp missing or defective, lamp EOLapproaching, ballast over-temperature and ballast start-up. In additionto or instead of lamp ballast sensors, a smart ballast may be used inconjunction with an optical sensor, and/or a temperature sensor may beused just to measure the heat sink temperature. Lamp ballasts may belocated within or outside the growth chamber.

Air Temperature/Humidity (Temperature and/or Humidity Sensors). Airtemperature and/or humidity sensors may monitor an upper limit of thevertical temperature and/or humidity gradient established in the growthchamber. Signals from the sensors may prompt the controller to operatethe air moving devices and HVAC to help maintain the verticaltemperature and/or humidity gradient, or may propagate an alert to thecontroller if conditions cannot be maintained. The temperature sensormay comprise, for example, a solid state sensor used to determine thetemperature of a fluid or surface which may include both air and water.The humidity sensor may comprise a sensor used to measure water vaporlevel in air and in conjunction with the temperature sensor provide areading of relative humidity. Temperature and/or humidity sensors, aswell as other sensors, may be integrated into one sensor.

Barometric Pressure (Barometric Pressure Sensor). Barometric pressuresensors measure the pressure in air or other fluid at the sensor,preferably for measuring differences in pressure between pairs ofsensors. Of especial importance is the difference in pressure betweenthe micro-climate in the growth chamber and the environment outside thegrowth chamber so that the controller may be able to maintain a negativepressure in the micro-climate relative to the pressure outside thegrowth chamber.

Air Quality (Air Quality Sensor). An air quality sensor may be used tomonitor the effect of an active smell control system (e.g. hydroxyl) onthe air in the micro-climate. The air quality sensor may also be used asa ripening detector to measure how fragrant the marijuana crop is whenthe hydroxyl generator is turned off for a period of time. The airquality sensor is preferably located in the upper section of the growthchamber, preferably at a midpoint. The air quality sensor measuresrelative total concentration of a broad range of molecules having abroad range of molecular weight.

Exhaust Air (Air Quality Sensor, Light Gas Sensor). One or more sensorson an exhaust outlet of the growth chamber may monitor concentrations ofcontaminants in air exhausting from the growth chamber and compare theconcentrations with background levels outside the growth chamber as wellas levels in the micro-climate. The air quality sensor may measurerelative total concentration of a broad range of molecular weightcompounds in the air. The light gas sensor may detect impending filtereffectiveness degradation by measuring relative total concentration oflight molecular weight compounds in the air (e.g. hydrogen, methane,etc.)

Interior of Growth Chamber (Image Sensor). An image sensor and imageprocessing software may be used to determine plant canopy height (scaledhorizon line), plant foliage density (average color of plants andbackground), plant foliage color (normally green), where a tendency toyellow while growing indicates deficiencies (some strains go purple nearharvest as well), distance of lamps from plant canopy and canopy defects(deviation from average in the canopy color or density can meanirrigation or ventilation issues which need investigation). The imagesensor may be a conventional camera imaging sensor. The image may beprocessed down to a vertical series of pixels by averaging thered/green/blue (RGB) components of every pixel within the horizontalfield of interest on each horizontal row. The field of interest may bedetermined by edge detection of a vertical marker strip on thebackground in a contrasting color. Horizontal marker strips incontrasting color may also be used to provide scale calibration of theprocessed image data, so sensor positioning is not critical provided thesensor is roughly pointed at the area of interest.

Plant Canopy (Temperature/Humidity Sensors). The temperature andhumidity sensors in the plant canopy may be used to ensure that the areawhere the plant actually exists within the growth chamber is at theproper temperature and humidity. Other temperatures are simplyincidental and are only controlled within the rating limits of equipmentwithin them, not directly for the plants' needs. The temperature sensormay comprise, for example, a solid state sensor used to determine thetemperature of a fluid or surface which may include both air and water.The humidity sensor may comprise a sensor used to measure water vaporlevel in air and in conjunction with the temperature sensor provide areading of relative humidity.

Root Zone (Level Probes and/or Hygrometer, Temperature Sensor). A levelprobe in the root zone may serve as both a high level limit in a floodand drain cycle as well as being able to detect blockage in anindividual plant support structure. The level probes provide a digitalindication of whether or not liquid is present at the measuring point. Avariation of the level probes may use a different probe connected to thesame electronics to provide an indication of the moisture level of anymedia surrounding the roots. In general, the probes may monitor limitsof liquid levels or may monitor to ensure that liquid is present in thecorrect location(s). Most of the probes may monitor upper limits fordetecting a problem or to immediately stop whatever action is causing arise in liquid level. Other probes may monitor lower limits to determinewhen to turn a pump off because there is no more liquid to pump. Thiscan provide useful information to supervisory control systems for use inlogical decision making in combination with other input variables. Forexample, a condensate/table accumulator undergoing a rapid change in thetime taken to fill is likely indicative of a catastrophic leak in thewater management system. The use of a combination of upper and lowerlimit level probes provides an early indication to the supervisorycontrol system, which can then signal the pump to shut off oralternatively shut down the entire system and alert an operator. Thetemperature sensor provides an indication of the temperature in the rootzone, which provides a signal to the controller for maintainingtemperature in the root zone within operating specifications.

Irrigation Runoff Accumulator Upper (Liquid Level Gauge). The liquidlevel gauge in the irrigation runoff may be used to establish the timeof concentration and pervious nature of the root zone by deriving therunoff hydrograph from known water levels and storage volumes. Theliquid level gauge may be an ultrasonic transducer which measures thepulse return time of a ping to determine the distance from the gauge tothe liquid surface.

Solution Preparation Subsystem (Monitoring and Adjustment)

The solution preparation subsystem may comprise one or more tanks formixing and/or storing irrigation solution. The number of tanks maydepend on the number of different kinds of chemical components, thechemical components being stored individually in separate storagecontainers. Each separate storage container for chemical components mayfurther comprise a sensor (e.g. a scale) for measuring an amount of thechemical in the container, a metering pump for delivering a measuredamount of the chemical component out of the container and associatedconduits (e.g. lines, tubing). The conduits may feed into a flushingchamber, which leads to the tank through other conduits.

Monitoring sensors for monitoring levels of chemical components andother parameters may be located at any suitable location in theapparatus, for example in the one or more tanks, in a conduit thateventually leads to the growth chamber from the tank or in a conduitthat eventually leads back from the growth chamber to the tank. Sensorsmay include, for example, temperature sensor, flow sensor, peroxidesensor, enzyme sensor, color sensor, conductivity sensor, pH sensor,dissolved oxygen sensor, and the like. Although water is preferablyrecycled, deionized water may be supplied to make up any losses inwater. A purge drain may be included for when it may become necessary toempty the water from or dilute the water in the water management system.

Besides water, other chemical components may include, for example,nutrients, acid, alkali, trace elements, flavor additives, hydrogenperoxide, enzymes that facilitate plant processes for plant growth,sugars (e.g. glucose, sucrose), marker dye (e.g. organic dye), and thelike.

Flow may be measured to ensure that irrigation solution is flowing pastthe sensors representing the state of the solution correctly. pH may bemeasured to determine acidity of the solution. Conductivity may bemeasured to derive Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content of the solution.Dissolved oxygen may be measured to determine residual O₂ in thesolution as an indirect measurement of peroxide level, reducingbiological oxygen demand (BOD) with peroxide or just from aeration ofthe solution. A temperature sensor ensures that the temperature of thesolution is maintained in a suitable range and also provides acalibration temperature for other sensors which require calibration. Acolorimeter with a light source may be used to check the solution forany discoloration from algae, turbidity, undissolved solids, etc., andalso to measure residual levels of enzyme or peroxide based on the rateof breakdown of a marker dye.

During operation at different phases of the life cycle of the marijuanaplants, the solution preparation subsystem may have target levels fortotal dissolved solids (TDS), pH, dissolved oxygen saturation, BOD, andenzyme concentration. The target levels may be further broken down intodesired compound proportions based on which chemical componentscontribute to the target. The solution preparation subsystem in afeedback loop with the controller may determine how much of whichchemical component to add to compensate when the target levels are outof specification and then implement any required changes. Levels notonly change due to plant uptake, evaporation, etc., but vary from “day”to “night” and may vary in ramp or other non-linear fashion within agrowing cycle phase. The solution preparation subsystem may constantlyand automatically determine the current target level and work to bringall measured parameters back into a desired range if deviation occurs.For example: if the pH is too low, alkali may be added; if the pH is toohigh, acid may be added; if the total dissolve solids (TDS) is too high,the solution may be drained and then deionized water added to thedrained solution; if TDS is too low, nutrients and/or flavor additivemay be added; if dissolved oxygen is too high, the solution may bedrained and then deionized water added to the drained solution and ahold period implemented to stop recirculation of the solution for aperiod of time; if dissolved oxygen is too low, hydrogen peroxide and/orenzymes may be added, circulation rate increased and aerationimplemented (if available); if enzyme level is too high, the solutionmay be drained and then deionized water added to the drained solution;and, if enzyme level is too low, enzyme may be added.

Flavor Additives

One or more flavor additives may be utilized in the solution preparationsubsystem to provide a unique way of producing flavored marijuana byincorporating the one or more flavor additives into the plants duringone or more plant growth phases. Some current strains of marijuanaplants exhibit natural flavors similar to those of blueberry,cantaloupe, lemon, mint, grape, blue cheese, etc. However, there is adesire to further enhance such flavors and/or to introduce differentflavors than are currently available. Current methods in flavoringtobacco involve adding flavorings after harvesting the plant, but thesemethods produce less than satisfactory results, and may not be legallypermitted.

Flavor additives may be chemical compounds that in and of themselvesimpart flavors (i.e. flavorings), or may be building block chemicalsthat are metabolized by the plant to produce flavorings. Utilizingflavor additives during growth of marijuana plants provides for a numberof possibilities as follows. Any one or combination of the followingtechniques may be used to achieve either greatly enhanced naturallyoccurring (in that strain) flavorings in the harvested product, and/orinfuse the product (while still alive) with flavorings which do notoccur naturally in that strain or at all in marijuana, while at the sametime reducing concentration of those flavorings that impart undesirableflavors. The product may be, for example, a vendible portion of themarijuana plant (e.g. buds, leaves).

Levels of inherent natural flavorings in a marijuana strain may beenhanced by providing specific building block chemicals during a growthphase of the plants when the parts of the plant of interest are beingformed. For example, flavor additives for the leaves may be given duringthe vegetative growth phase while flavor additives for buds may be givenduring the flowering phase. Examples of such flavor additives includepotassium citrate, which is a building block for plant growth and citrusflavor, and ammonium or metal acetates, which are building blocks forplant growth and berry/grape flavors.

A plant may be able to produce or include flavorings based on two ormore other chemical pathways utilizing natural flavorings alreadypresent or not present in the strain. By introducing natural flavorings,for example various sweet fragrant juices of fruit and other plants(e.g. simple sugars, orange juice, grape juice, beet juice, etc.) to theirrigation solution, which may be combined with enzymes or bacteria, awide mix of compounds for use by the plant may be produced. Naturalflavorings may be simply drawn along with the water up into plant tissueand remain there unchanged chemically, infusing the tissue with theflavor, which is particularly useful during a leaching phase of theplant growth cycle. When enzymes are used in conjunction with naturalflavorings, the enzymes may break down the natural flavorings intobuilding blocks for the plant to produce its own flavorings, which mayor may not be the original flavorings. This is particularly usefulduring the vegetative and flowering growth phases.

Specific residual flavorings may be targeted for enhancement or removal.A plant works internally by osmosis. During the leaching phase ofgrowth, traditionally plain tap water has been used to cause the plantto give up unbound metal ions back into the nutrient solution since themetal ions impart a bad taste to the product. Metal ions cannot beexcluded from use altogether though, because the plant needs metal ions,for example potassium, to remain healthy. Yet excess metal ions, e.g.potassium, are undesirable. At the same time, there are desirableflavorings that can accumulate in plant tissue as compounds but are nota part of the living plant itself, which are desirable to have remainingin the plant tissue. In the present invention, the irrigation solutionduring the leaching is based on deionized water in which trace metalions are already removed. Further, irrigation solution may be dumped andrefreshed during the leaching phase; therefore, undesirable metal ionsare continuously drawn from the plant and diluted in the irrigationsolution for improved removal. At the same time, to reduce removal ofdesired flavor additives, the concentrations of flavor additives may bemaintained at higher levels in the irrigation solution than in theplant. However, because metal ions are not needed during the leachingphase to promote plant growth and metal ions impart a bad taste to thefinal product, the form of the flavor additives may be switched toexclude metal ions. For example, potassium citrate may be switched tocitric acid and the pH carefully balanced with an alkali that does notcomprise a bad tasting metal ion.

Enhanced uptake of the flavor additives may be obtained by alteringother parameters. The growing environment itself may be managed toinduce the plant to draw in more liquid and promote a more vigorous ionexchange with the irrigation solution by any of the following methodsindividually or in combination: decreasing “day” humidity to promotetranspiration; increasing “night” humidity to encourage liquid traveldown the plant at night; increasing “day” temperature to promotetranspiration; increasing air flow rate adjacent to the plants topromote transpiration; increasing “day/night” light change frequency tocirculate liquids within the plant as vigorously as possible; providinga final very long “day” to draw up one last time any flavor additivedesired as a residual element of the plant tissue; increasing irrigationcycle frequency when transpiration is promoted; and, adjusting pH of theirrigation solution to promote or retard migration of differentcompounds into or out of the plant at different times.

Some examples of flavor additives include: citric acid and/or salts ofcitrates and/or esters of citric acid (e.g. ethyl citrate) for lemonflavor (like the strains lemon haze, lemon kush); menthone or precursorsthereof for mint flavor (like the strains critical kush); acetic acidand/or salts of acetic acid and/or esters of acetic acid (e.g. ethylacetate) for berry flavorings (like the strains blueberry kush, bluegoo,grape); and, sweetness building blocks (e.g. simple sugars—glucose,sucrose, etc.), which at high enough levels result in chocolate orcaramel flavors after combustion or heating. Any mixture of flavoradditives may be employed.

Enzyme Measurement

Measurement of enzyme levels in the solution preparation subsystem is aunique way of monitoring and controlling marijuana plant growth. Enzymesare used as part of a nutrient regime for various reasons when growingmarijuana plants. Some uses of enzymes include, for example, cleaningroots of dead plant material and digesting dead plant material intocompounds the plant can use for growth instead of the dead plantmaterial contributing to the BOD (biological oxygen demand) of thesolution. As a result, the root mass may be submerged in irrigationsolution for longer periods of time without becoming anaerobic. This canbe more or less important depending on the amount of time roots spendsubmerged in liquid and varies by the hydroponic method utilized.Enzymes are also used to break down larger molecules in the irrigationsolution into smaller ones which the plants can more readily absorb.

There is no easily applied direct way of measuring enzyme concentrationin the irrigation solution with an electronic sensor in the manner of pHor conductivity. The amount of enzyme needed in the irrigation solutionvaries with conditions, but measurement of residual enzyme level andmaintaining a high enough residual enzyme level to have the desiredeffect is what is important. In the present water management system, amarker dye may be used to tint the solution a color which spectrallydoes not coincide with colors already occurring in the irrigationsolution. Since the irrigation solution is high in nitrates andphosphates and passes by bright lights during its irrigation journey,potential to grow algae is high. Contamination with algae would impart agreen tint to the solution. Therefore, a marker dye may be chosen thatdoes not coincide spectrally with green. The marker dye may comprise anorganic dye, for example an organic dye which would impart a tint to thesolution in the blue and/or red ranges. A naturally occurring marker dyeis preferred. A particularly preferred marker dye comprises beet juice.Beet juice is a natural substance having no issues with its use on afood/medical crop. Beet juice also contains sugars which the enzymes candigest and is beneficial as a nutrient in the irrigation solution ingeneral. Beet juice is also readily available on an industrial scale atlow cost.

To measure residual enzyme levels in the irrigation solution, advantageis taken of the fact that the enzymes digest the marker dye. The rate ofbreakdown of the marker dye is correlated to the level of residualenzymes. To make the measurements, a colorimeter (e.g. aspectrophotometer) set at an appropriate wavelength for detecting lightabsorbed by the marker dye may be illuminated through the translucentirrigation solution by white light. When a known concentration of markerdye is introduced to the irrigation solution, a baseline absorption atappropriate wavelengths may be established. The rate of change of theabsorption may then be monitored, which is proportional to the residualenzyme level. Adjustments may be made to the amount of enzyme ifnecessary taking into account the known total liquid volume of thesystem for dilution.

Solution Delivery Subsystem (Sanitization, Root Management and RootTemperature)

The solution delivery subsystem may comprise one or more pumps fed fromthe one or more tanks, preferably via one or more filters (e.g. particlefilters). The one or more pumps may pump irrigation solution to asolution delivery header in or proximate the growth chamber. A pressuremonitoring sensor, preferably located proximate a furthest point in thedelivery header, may provide feedback to the controller to control theone or more pumps to adjust the pressure to a desired level in order tocompensate for solution losses in conduits and a variable number ofgrowth chambers, which may be irrigated at any given time.

The delivery header may be in fluid communication with the growthchamber through one or more valves, for example one or more automatedsolenoid valves. Opening of the one or more valves may follow timingpatterns set by the controller and may vary widely depending the currentgrowth phase of the marijuana plants, as well as other directives, forexample sanitizing, root management, nutrient provision and the like.

The valves may feed distributors that are in fluid communication withsprayers (e.g. nozzles) within a root zone. Irrigation solution may beprovided to the sprayers at a pressure high enough to result in a mistin the root zone which aggressively saturates the root ball of theplants. By varying cycle timing and the chemical components in theirrigation solution, the size of the root balls may be managed for adesired amount of roots on the plants. As a result, nutrients may bemore efficiently utilized to grow the top (e.g. stems and leaves) of theplants and root length may be controlled to avoid physically pluggingthe root zone. Further, less root mass means less disposal cost perplant and smaller root masses are easier to keep from becoming anaerobicand having undesired effects.

The irrigation solution may be allowed to drain to a collection chamberbelow the root zone where the runoff rate and stored volume measured.Runoff rate and stored volume in a collection chamber may be used toderive the root mass present at any given time based, in a mannersimilar to how storm water runoff analysis is done in a city storm sewersystem. When the stored volume of irrigation solution exceeds a setamount, the stored irrigation solution may be pumped back into a secondheader leading back to the one or more tanks, preferably through afilter (e.g. a particle strainer). The second header may furthercomprise a sterilization module (e.g. an ultraviolet (UV) treatmentmodule) to sanitize the irrigation solution.

The solution delivery subsystem may be generally referred to asaeroponic, however this subsystem has several distinctions fromaeroponic systems. Another system commonly referred to as “flood anddrain” comprises feeding irrigation solution on a timed cycle to theroot mass of the plants (with or without soil or pseudo-soil) so thatthe root mass is completely surrounded by solution for a fixed period oftime and then the solution is allowed to drain away. The presentsolution delivery subsystem may also operate in a “flood and drain” modewhere the root zone is allowed to fill instead of the solution beingimmediately carried away. The “flood and drain” mode may be used forsanitizing the roots, or for any other reason desired by an operator.The “flood and drain” mode may also be used under emergency conditionsto mitigate a power failure. Aeroponic systems are vulnerable to poweroutages, which may result in the roots drying out causing permanentdamage to the roots. In the event of a power failure in the presentsolution delivery subsystem, there is enough emergency power to openvalves and allow the root zones to accumulate enough water to keep theroots wet, so that the plants can withstand extended power outages withno damage.

The solution delivery system may operate in any of the 6 basichydroponic irrigation modes (Wick, Drip, Flood and Drain, Nutrient Film,Aeroponic and Floating) simply by changing the nozzle type and position(spray, drip or open, and between or at plant sites), and switching thelocation and type of the level probes. (analog or digital, above, in orbelow the root mass). The reason for switching the base mode ofhydroponic operation physically would be operator driven based onhistoric preferences or pairing to a specific plant strain requirements.

The solution delivery subsystem may also comprise one or more chillers,which maintain the temperature of the irrigation solution, which in turncontrols temperature in the root zone. The solution delivery subsystemand solution preparation subsystem cooperate to form at least a majorpart of the water management system.

Root Management

Root management including the ability to control root ball (root mass)size is a particularly useful aspect of the solution delivery subsystem,and is in some ways coupled to micro-climate management. There arevarious reasons for wishing to control the size of a plant's rootsincluding reducing chance of plugging the root zone, allowing easyremoval of the plants from the plant support structure, reducingdisposal cost of plant matter, using nutrients more efficiently to biasgrowth to marketable parts of the plant, accelerating growth of theplant by optimizing uptake abilities and creating a more robust plantearlier in its life. The process may be used to quickly grow roots to adesired size and then retard further growth, dedicating plant energy tothe above ground portions of the plant for more efficient and fastergrowth.

In order to control root growth rate a number of different variables maybe employed. The controller may be programmed with a template for agiven marijuana plant strain as a starting point with a recipe on how tomost efficiently obtain the correct root mass. If the system is notmeeting programmed targets, an operator may override any of thevariables and change the growth regime. Variables to be controlled inroot management may include, for example, one or more of “day/night”light cycle timing, irrigation timing and duration, aeroponic andflood/drain options, concentration of nutrients specific to rootdevelopment, concentration of nutrients specific to non-rootdevelopment, sanitization via peroxide or enzymes, oxygenation level ofthe irrigation solution via peroxide or aeration, BOD reduction viaperoxide or enzyme, temperature and humidity in the growth chamber,airflow velocity adjacent to the plants and pH of the irrigationsolution.

Controlling so many variables related to the growing conditions for theplant benefits from having a feedback loop for at least two reasons.First, it is important to be able to determine the actual value of someof the parameters to be varied. For example, when adjusting the pH, theirrigation solution may be mixed and continuously sampled with a pHsensor to determine whether the action taken had the desired result. Inanother example, when varying the speed of a fan to vary the airflowadjacent the plants, barometric pressure may be monitored in the growthchamber to ensure that the intended result actually happens.

Second, it is important to measure how well the measures being taken areaffecting the outcome of targeted root growth. In traditional watershedanalysis, expected runoff characteristics are computed based on thevegetation and characteristics of the watershed. In the present rootmanagement system, vegetation (i.e. root characteristics) may bepredicted from runoff characteristics, for example by measuring shape ofa runoff curve from an irrigation cycle of known intensity and duration,and how that changes over time. Therefore, runoff characteristics ofirrigation solution draining from the root mass are used as feedbackinformation to alter variables that affect root growth.

Baseline parameters of a runoff hydrograph may be established based onan empty (of roots) root zone with fresh transplanted seedlings orclones. Runoff characteristic of particular interest may include, forexample:

Time of concentration (time offset from start of irrigation cycle to themaximum peak of the runoff curve). Time of concentration provides adirect indication of how massive the root balls are and how long theroot balls take to saturate with water before everything being appliedsimply runs off. Time of concentration is also an indicator of optimal“on” times for irrigation by taking into account travel time from thefurthest point of gravity flow.

Peak flow (maximum level of the curve). Peak flow is inverselyproportional to root mass and may be employed in combination with timeof concentration.

Integral value of the curve (area under the curve or total flow). Thedifference between integral value of the curve and how much liquid wasintroduced is an indication of the structure of the root balls andwhether they are porous and hold water or impervious and shed all theliquid applied to them quickly.

Tangential time offset (time after which there is essentially zeroflow). Tangential time offset is proportional to root mass as well asthe coarseness of the root structure and how well surface tension holdsliquid in the root structure. Tangential time offset is also importantin determining the optimal time between irrigation cycles, which isadjusted dynamically.

As the feedback sensing provides data during root growth, the variablesabove are adjusted by the controller automatically to achieve the goalswithout wasting resources. For example, as the tangential offset timestarts to increase, the controller automatically backs off theaggressiveness of irrigation when in a root building phase of growth toforce the plant to produce more roots to search for nutrient. When in aroot retarding phase the opposite action would take place automatically.As monitoring starts to indicate liquid being impounded by the rootstructures, it is important to become more aggressive with managingoxygen levels in the irrigation solution to keep the root ball healthy.Too much oxygen too early damages and stunts the roots. However later itis beneficial to deliberately oxygenate aggressively once the root massis at the desired size to curb new growth and to keep the root mass frombecoming anaerobic. The system manages roots through monitoring anddynamically adjusting the regime of parameters for growth.

Odor Control Subsystem

Ripening marijuana buds have a very distinct odor, which some peoplefind unpleasant. Health Canada requires no odor emissions at all from amarijuana production facility. A subsystem for odor control may beprovided, which treats the air within the micro-climate, filters the airreleased from the micro-climate, monitors the effectiveness of boththese processes, takes steps to mitigate interruptions of theseprocesses and alerts an operator to specific problems with the apparatusif they occur. The odor control subsystem may comprise the followingparts: an outdoor on-site weather station, a building envelope, one ormore growing micro-climates, building envelope intake air filtration,building envelope exhaust air scrubbing, micro-climate intake airconditioning and filtering, micro-climate exhaust air scrubbing,micro-climate management controllers, building envelope managementcontroller, system management back end, alerts and alarms and systemoperators.

The odor control subsystem may comprise a number of layers of protectionagainst not only odor escape, but also against entry of undesirablesubstances from the outside environment. Generally, the odor controlsubsystem may comprise a micro-climate in an enclosed growth chamber,preferably a plurality of growth chambers, situated within an interiorspace of a building or like structure to form a facility where growingthe marijuana takes place.

The growing environment may be isolated inside one or more growthchambers maintained at negative pressure with respect to the buildingenvelope containing it. All air leaves the growth chambers via airfilters (e.g. carbon filters) to remove odors. Should the micro-climatein the growth chamber be breached for any reason, building air will flowinto the growth chamber rather than odors flowing out. Air entering thegrowth chambers may pass through an air filter (e.g. HEPA filter) toremove airborne contaminants.

The building air itself may also be scrubbed with air filters (e.g.carbon filters) when exhausted and HEPA filtered for incoming air. Thebuilding will normally be at slightly positive pressure with respect tothe outside environment. This ensures that the building envelopecontains only clean air filtered on the way in and any leakage istowards the outside.

However, should a problem be detected with any of the filters on themicro-climate, or some other form of breach, the building envelope maychange modes to become negative pressure with respect to the outsideenvironment, ensuring all air leaving the building passes throughfilters and no air leaks out any other place.

In another mode of operation of the odor control subsystem, whenexternal contaminants are detected the building may temporarily switchto zero outside air mode to avoid drawing anything in which mightcontaminate the crop. Contaminants may arise from, for example, nearbypesticide spraying, accidental chemical spills, fires, air exhaust fromnearby structures, etc.

Functions of the odor control subsystem may be managed via a number ofcontrollers which have some redundancy so that other parts of theoverall subsystem may compensate for and minimize impact of equipmentfailure. A central controller may oversee operation of individualcontrollers on the growth chambers and may also be responsible forsending the appropriate alerts or alarms related to the operation.

Alerts may ensure that maintenance is carried out when required, forexample filter changes, before a problem develops. Alerts relate tosituations that need attention but are not critical to deal withimmediately. Alerts may be shown on a status screen and provided to(e.g. e-mailed to) an appropriate operator for attention during a nextscheduled maintenance period.

Alarms are the more urgent counterpart of alerts and require operatorintervention immediately to correct a deviation. Alarms may relate tosituations like filter breaches, atmospheric pressures out of range, fanfailures, a contaminant detected outdoors, etc. The subsystem mayattempt to automatically compensate where possible, for example byswitching the building envelope from positive to negative pressure if amicro-climate fails.

In general, the odor control system attempts to prevent any odor releasefrom the building, while still attempting to maintain as normal anoperation as possible.

Outdoor On-Site Weather Station

One or more outdoor on-site weather stations may monitor and recordoutside air conditions including temperature, humidity, wind speed anddirection, odors, other gases, barometric pressure and other inputs. Theoutdoor on-site weather stations provide inputs to the controllers topermit efficient operation of the HVAC system, proper maintenance of thebuilding envelope relative pressure and anticipation of indoor thermallag based on outside conditions. Outside conditions may be monitored toprovide an opportunity to reduce entry of contaminants into themicro-climates at levels or types of contaminants which the normalintake air filtration cannot handle. Further, surrounding air outsidethe building may be monitored for the possibility that odor containmenthas failed and odors are being released. At the same time, based on windspeed and direction it can be established whether the odor is from themarijuana growing facility or originating off-site, which is importantin dealing with any odor complaints. The exact conditions at the time ofa complaint may also be determined (wind speed and direction,temperature, etc.) so that dispersion calculations may be performed todetermine whether the complaint has merit.

Building Envelope

The building envelope is a second layer of protection against odorrelease or contaminant ingress. The building envelope provides acontrolled buffer between the micro-climates and the outsideenvironment.

Growing Micro-Climates

The micro-climate is a first layer of protection against odor releaseand provides a growing environment around the marijuana plants which maybe tailored to reduce odor generation. By reducing odor generation atthe level of the growing plants, the volume of contaminated air may bereduced, and fast changeover through filters may ensure that theconcentration of odor is further minimized. The micro-climate may bemaintained at negative pressure with respect to the surrounding space tofurther reduce escape of odor.

Building Envelope Intake Air Filtration

HEPA particulate filters including sensors which can detect a filterbreach and a filter nearing the end of service life may be included inthe building air intake. The air may be moved by a fan, preferably avariable speed fan, which may be operated as part of a building envelopeatmospheric pressure control system.

Building Envelope Exhaust Air Scrubbing

Absorptive filters (e.g. carbon filters) may be employed to removeorganic compounds from the air stream. The filters may have sensors todetect a filter breach, sensors on outlets, to detect odor pass-throughand/or sensors to determine when a filter is nearing the end of servicelife. Air moving through a filter may be driven by a fan, preferably avariable speed fan, which may be part of the building envelopeatmospheric pressure control system.

Micro-Climate Intake Air Conditioning and Filtering

HEPA particulate filters including sensors which can detect a filterbreach and a filter nearing the end of service life may be included withthe growth chambers. The air may be moved by a fan, preferably avariable speed fan, which may be operated as part of a micro-climateatmospheric pressure control system.

Micro-Climate Exhaust Air Scrubbing

Absorptive filters (e.g. carbon filters) may be employed to removeorganic compounds from the air stream. The filters may have sensors todetect a filter breach, sensors on outlets from the micro-climate todetect odor pass-through and/or sensors to determine when a filter isnearing the end of service life. Air moving through a filter may bedriven by a fan, preferably a variable speed fan, which is part of themicro-climate atmospheric pressure control system.

Micro-Climate Management Controllers

Micro-climate management controllers associated with each growth chambermay be responsible for maintaining the micro-climate within theassociated growth chamber, so that failure of one may not affect theothers. The micro-climate management controllers may monitor andmaintain specified conditions including, for example, lighting, aircirculation, air pressure, air quality, temperature, humidity, feedingpatterns and the like. The micro-climate management controllers may takedirection from the management back end, and report all of sensor databack for recording as well.

Building Envelope Management Controller

A building envelope management controller may be responsible formaintaining conditions in an interior space outside the micro-climatesbut within the building. Conditions may include, for example, airpressure, temperature, and humidity. The building envelope managementcontroller may also take direction from the system management back endand report all sensor data back for recording.

System Management Back End

The back end of the odor control subsystem may be driven by a database.All the incoming sensor data may be recorded for future reference. Rulesfor the logic of the odor control subsystem and “programs” for growingcycles may be stored. Set points may be provided to the micro-climatemanagement controllers and building envelope management controller. Themicro-climate management controllers and building envelope managementcontroller may then operate within that set of instructions until theset points are changed as the system changes to a different mode ofoperation, or corrects for some ongoing changing condition, or inresponse to an operator manually making a change.

All management functions may be accomplished by interacting with thesystem management back end through a user interface, which may be remotewith access provided through a network connection, for example throughthe Internet.

When signals from the sensors change, a rule engine may be processed todetermine whether any modes of operation need to be changed, or if anyconditions have crossed a threshold constituting and alert or an alarm.

Alerts and Alarms

Alert and alarm conditions may be driven by rules in the management backend. Alerts are non-critical and may be pull or push driven to theoperators based on individual preferences. Alerts may be viewed as alist to deal with at the start of a shift, may be e-mailed or SMSmessaged individually or a combination thereof. If alerts are not dealtwith in a timely manner, the alerts may escalate to alarms which demandmore immediate attention.

Alarms may be critical in nature and require immediate attention. Alarmsmay be dispatched to an operator by any suitable urgent method, forexample via telephone, SMS messaging or with an Internet-based pulldriven monitoring application according to operator preferences. Ifalarms are not dealt with or acknowledged during an initial notificationwindow, the alarms may be automatically escalated to notify otheroperators.

Equipment related to odor control may be equipped with one or morestatus lights, preferably multicolored. Changes in the status lights maybe used to indicate various operation modes and urgency of anynon-optimal conditions. Status lights may form a first line of defenseto on-site operators circulating to alert the operators to a problemeven if some other operator may have received a notification but has notresponded to the problem.

Status of the odor control subsystem may be viewed or operation alteredfrom user interfaces, for example control boards or personal computerson-site or remotely from control boards, personal electronic devices(e.g. cell phones) or personal computers. Remote access to the odorcontrol subsystem may be accomplished through a network connection, forexample through the Internet.

System Operators

System operators may be provided with training on functioning andmaintenance of the odor control subsystem, including datainterpretation, responding to alerts and alarms and recognizinganomalous conditions that the controllers may not be programmed tomanage. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) may be established inconnection with identifying and managing routine conditions andexplaining what to do in circumstances not covered by SOPs. Spare partsand consumables may be available to operators at all times on-site topermit timely maintenance and repair.

Method of Application

As described above, the odor control subsystem may comprise one or moreof the following. Air quality sensors may be located in the air outsidethe growth chambers, within each growth chamber and at an exhaust airoutlet from each growth chamber downstream of an air filter (e.g. acarbon filter). Barometric pressure sensors may be located in the airoutside the growth chambers, within each growth chamber and at theexhaust air outlet from each growth chamber upstream of the air filter.Light gas detectors may be located at the exhaust air outlet of eachgrowth chamber. A barometric pressure sensor may be located in a supplyair duct between a supply fan and a diffuser of each growth chamber. Anexhaust fan, preferably variable speed, which pulls air from the growthchamber through the air filter (e.g. a carbon filter) before beingexhausted. A hydroxyl generator located in a recirculation duct from thegrowth chamber. A supply air fan, preferably a variable speed fan, whichpulls in a combination of return air from the growth chamber and aportion of air from outside of the growth chamber, and which introducesthe air into the growth chamber, preferably through a diffuser. One ormore access ports in the growth chamber for operator interaction withcontents of the growth chamber during operation. An air filter (e.g. acarbon filter) may be located in the exhaust stream. A HEPA filter maybe located in an intake air stream entering the growth chamber.

During early phases of growth the marijuana plants do not generate muchodor. Airflow through is balanced by varying the speed of the fans tocreate a slight negative pressure within the chamber as compared topressure outside the growth chamber to ensure that odors do not leavethe chamber. An air stream leaving the chamber has one route out, thatis, though the air filter, which removes odor-causing compounds from theair stream. If the pressure difference from inside to outside the growthchamber drops at any time, perhaps indicating that an access port isopen, the speed of the exhaust fan may be increased to try to maintainthe pressure difference and contain odors in the growth chamber.

If the pressure difference from outside air to the exhaust fan pressuresensor deviates from a known clean air filter/fan speed curve in asignificant manner, one of two reportable conditions may have occurred.If the pressure is drifting higher than the curve over time, the airfilter may have become physically plugged and needs to be replaced. Ifthe drop is significantly less, the air filter may be either breached orthe exhaust fan performance has degraded.

Similarly if the supply duct pressure sensor/growth chamber differencedeviates significantly from a known diffuser/fan speed curve, tworeportable conditions may have occurred. Less of a pressure differenceis likely a result of a diffuser breach or degraded fan, and more of apressure difference is likely a result of a blockage.

A third set of differences may be taken across the supply fan pressuresensor and the air pressure sensor outside the growth chamber.Similarly, pressure difference changes may be a result of blocked orbreached filters.

In all cases, an alert may be provided to an operator. Multiple pressuredifferences out of range at the same time may be used to isolate whichof the possible problem conditions is present where there is more thanone problem.

As the marijuana plants mature and begin producing odors, two points ofair quality measurement may be compared to determine if treating the airwithin the growth chamber with hydroxyl ions is necessary to reduce theodors compared to the air in the rest of the interior space of thebuilding. The hydroxyl generator is turned on when the differencebetween the sensors reaches an unacceptable threshold and turned offagain when the difference has become less than a return set point. Thehydroxyl generator may also be used periodically even if no air qualityissues are detected in order to sanitize surfaces in the growth chamber.This is a combination of timed events and also immediately followingevery time one of the access ports is opened, which means contaminationcould have been introduced by touch or by unfiltered air being drawninto the growth chamber through the access port. Such precautions alsopermit addressing minor leaks which may bypass the HEPA filter bringingin contaminated air that might contribute to mold or other undesiredorganic growth. Having a high contaminant reading from air qualitysensors in the growth chamber or turning on the hydroxyl generatorwithout seeing a corresponding drop in detected contaminants toacceptable levels within a given time may be an indication of failure ofthe hydroxyl generator, which is also a reportable condition. Theincreasing need over time for the hydroxyl generation cycle may be adirect indication of product ripeness and this data may be used by othersubsystems to take appropriate actions.

Traditional marijuana growing apparatus that use carbon filters arelimited to reactively changing the filter when smell becomes a problem,or simply changing the filer on a preventive maintenance cycle. Thepresent invention provides at least two advantages over traditionalapparatuses. First, there may be an air quality sensor in the exhaustair stream, which may be used to evaluate the exhaust from the growthchamber compared to the air in the growth chamber and the air in theinterior space of the building to ensure that effective contaminantremoval is taking place. Second there may be a light gas sensor in theexhaust air stream. The light gas detector takes advantage of aprincipal of the way a carbon filter works. When the filter is empty,molecules of all sizes and weights are captured in pores of the filter.As the filter starts to reach its capacity larger molecular weightmolecules continue to get captured in the pores, however lighter weightmolecules pass through the filter and molecules previously captured inthe filter may become dislodged. As a result, a rise in concentration oflight molecules in the exhaust air downstream of the filter occurs whenthe filter starts to lose effectiveness. The light gas detector detectsthe rise in concentration of light molecules, and may send a signal tothe controller to provide a filter change alert to an operator. Thefilter change alert is pre-emptive since there is no reliance ondetecting odors (heavier molecules) passing by the filter in order todetermine that it is time to replace the filter.

In addition to alerts, automatic problem mitigation is possible. Anexample is described above is where the speed of the exhaust fan may beincreased when an inadequate pressure differential is detected fromoutside to inside the growth chamber. In another example, if breaches ineither of the filters are detected fan speed may be automaticallyreduced accounting for other constraints such as maintaining temperatureand the hydroxyl generator may be turned on to constantly sanitizeincoming air and try to neutralize any odors before they are exhausted.In another example, if a fan failure is detected, fan speed of anotherfan may be increased to maintain as much air circulation as possible.Mitigation measures may be designed to provide an operator with time toreact to the alert, preserve the crop, and control odors under non-idealoperating conditions.

Environmental Awareness Subsystem

Information about an external environment may be gathered and integratedinto operational parameters of the other subsystems. Data concerningvarious factors, for example real time power rates and weather warningsmay help lower operation costs and mitigate a potential power failure bytemporarily switching from aeroponic to flood and incomplete drainoperation until the threat has passed. Further, as part of a gardenmanagement server and power distribution system all overall power andwater usage may be measured in real time and coupled with real timerates to provide an operator a real time estimate for minute-by-minutecosts as well as overall cost of a crop.

Furthermore, another aspect of environmental awareness is themacro-climate environment the micro-climate is contained in. Themicro-climate is rated for operation up to certain worst casemacro-climate conditions, but there is a possibility the macro-climatewill exceed the worst case conditions. The system may compensate wherepossible by making adjustments such as a longer night period, colderroot zones, etc. to try to either prepare for a coming anomaly orcompensate during one, extending the growing cycle at the expense ofmaintaining yields or preventing plant damage.

Control System

The marijuana growing apparatus and facility may be controlled by one ormore control systems. Elements of the apparatus and facility may becontrolled separately or control of one or more of the elements may beintegrated together. Integration of control advantageously permits usingfeedback loops between elements and/or subsystems to provide automaticcontrol over operations.

The control system may comprise one or more of micro-climate managementcontrollers for each growth chamber, building envelope managementcontroller, a system management back end, sensors and an electroniccommunication infrastructure electronically linking the controllers,sensors and the system elements (e.g. fans, pumps, valves, lamps, airconditioners and the like that operate the system. Micro-climatemanagement controllers associated with each growth chamber may beresponsible for controlling the subsystems of the associated growthchamber, including controlling a water management system. The buildingenvelope management controller may be responsible for maintainingconditions in the interior space of the building outside themicro-climates but within the building. The system management back endmay be driven by a database that contains rules for the logic of systemand “programs” for operating the systems. Sensors may provide raw datato the system management back end and the electronic communicationinfrastructure electronically connects the controllers, back end andsensors so that the parts of the control system may interact.

The control system may comprise a central controller that coordinatesall of the other controllers. The central controller may be a separatecontroller or may comprise one of the controllers employed to operate asubsystem. For example, the building envelope management controller mayalso serve as a central controller. The central controller may processsignals from various sensors and coordinate sensor signals fromdisparate subsystems to provide feedback instructions to one subsystembased on a signal from a different subsystem. Further, the centralcontroller may centrally implement parameter set points to a pluralityof micro-climate management controllers at each growth phase of themarijuana plants based on a collective analysis of the informationobtained from the sensors of all of the growth chambers. Further, thecentral controller may integrate control of a plurality of growthchambers with control over the building envelope so that informationcollected from building envelope operations may be used to informdecisions on how best to control growth chamber and water managementsystem operations.

Controllers may comprise a computer, an output device and an inputdevice. The computer may comprise a microprocessor for controllingoperations and a non-transient electronic storage medium as part of thesystem management back end for storing information about growingconditions, operational parameters, sensor data, actions undertaken,and/or for storing computer executable code for carrying out rules orinstructions for implementing the method. The computer may furthercomprise a transient memory (e.g. random access memory (RAM)) accessibleto the microprocessor while executing the code. A plurality ofcomputer-based apparatuses may be connected to one another over acomputer network system (e.g. in an intranet, over the internet or acombination thereof) and geographically distributed. One or more of thecomputer-based apparatuses in the computer network system may comprise amicroprocessor for controlling operations and a non-transient electronicstorage medium for storing information about growing conditions andoperational parameters, and/or for storing computer executable code forcarrying out rules or instructions for implementing the method, and thecomputer-based apparatuses in the network may interact so that themarijuana growing apparatus and/or facility may controlled from a remotelocation. The output device may be a monitor, a printer, a device thatinterfaces with a remote output device or the like. The input device maybe a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a device that interfaces with aremote input device or the like. With a computer, the growing conditionsand operational parameters may be a graphical representation displayedin the output device. Input/output devices permit operator access to thecontrollers so that programming changes may be implemented manually.There is also provided a computer readable non-transient storage mediumhaving computer readable code stored thereon for executing computerexecutable rules or instructions for carrying out the method.

The control system may further comprise human system operators. Systemoperators may perform supervisory roles to ensure that the automatedsubsystems are performing correctly. System operators may also performnon-automated operations, maintenance and repair. System operators maybe provided with training on functioning and maintenance of theapparatuses, system and facility, including data interpretation,responding to alerts and alarms and recognizing anomalous conditionsthat the controllers may not be programmed to manage. Standard operatingprocedures (SOPs) may be established in connection with identifying andmanaging routine conditions and explaining what to do in circumstancesnot covered by SOPs. Spare parts and consumables may be available tooperators at all times on-site to permit timely maintenance and repair.

To assist operators, the controllers may be programmed to provide alertsand alarms connected with various subsystems based on data received bythe controllers from the sensors. Rules programmed into the controlsystem driving the operation of the various subsystems not only dictatethe desired levels of parameters and how to correct for deviations butthey also define what are warning and critical levels when a parameterdeviates and cannot automatically be corrected. Any parameter of theapparatus, system or facility may have an associated rule setting suchdesired levels and providing corrective actions, alerts and/or alarms.Many proactive problem warnings center on a deviation from anestablished pattern from the sensors the system previously exhibitedwithout a change in the operational parameters. The deviation may berelated to an individual parameter versus time, or to a parameter withina group acting differently under the same conditions at the same time.Alerts and alarms previously described in the context of particularsubsystems may be generalized to apply to any part of the overallsystem.

Operations may be driven by a series of prioritized rules which may bere-evaluated every time inputs change. Decisions may be made on how toadjust any of the targets set for the controllers for the subsystems.

The controllers may be programmed to respond to sensor data toautomatically adjust system parameters to accommodate changingconditions in the building, micro-climate or any other part of theapparatus, system and facility. In particular, growth phase managementof the marijuana plants is an important aspect to control and requires acomprehensive set of rules. The rules permit comparison of system wideparameters to historic data to determine when to switch from one growingphase to the next.

Each controllable aspect (lighting, nutrients, temperature, etc.) hastarget levels to maintain. Target levels vary according to applicationtypes (how a parameter is changed over time) during “day” and “night”time periods and during each growth phase. Depending on how themarijuana plant originated and the purpose of the plant, the plant mayor may not go through all phases. The terms “day” and “night” refer toperiods of light and dark to which the marijuana plant is exposed, whichdo not necessarily sum to 24-hour real-time periods.

For example, historic and current data on root growth may be availablefor the root management system, which is representative of the plantbelow “ground” level, so the phases concerned with root growth mayproceed to a next stage when certain conditions are achieved. Historicdata for the upper portion of the plant (e.g. stem, leaves, etc.), forexample canopy height and foliage density, may be available from theimaging system, so when certain targets are achieved the growing regimemay move onto a next phase. Historic and current data on relativestrength of the odor emissions may be available from sensors in the odorcontrol subsystem, and such data correlates to maturity of plant budsproviding the ability to determine when to switch from flowering toleaching phases.

The growth phases of a marijuana plant are described below. The way inwhich rules would be implemented by the controllers to manage theapparatus, system and facility at each phase may be determined from theplant's requirements at each phase and the available controllers,sensors and other system elements.

Seed is the initial phase of a plant grown from seed, which is astarting point for tracking the plant through its life.

Cutting is a source of a clone taken from a host plant and marks thepoint at which a new individual plant is defined. A cutting generallycomprises a leaf and stem with no roots, and is the start of tracking anew plant.

Seedling is a first growth phase of a plant grown from a seed andcomprises initial roots, a stem and one or more leaves. Growth in theseedling phase generally requires high nutrient levels, high humidity,and subtler lighting than later vegetative phase.

Clone is a first growth phase of a plant grown from a cutting, andincludes initial roots, a stem and one or more leaves. Growth in thisphase generally requires high nutrient levels, high humidity, andsubtler lighting than later vegetative phase.

Pre-Veg Toughening is a phase of development where the growingenvironment is gradually changed from a cloning or sprouting environment(generally high humidity around the complete plant (roots and leaves)inhibiting transpiration) to an environment where only the roots of theplant are moist and the upper vegetative portions of the plant areallowed to transpire since water loss and dehydration has beenstabilized by enough root mass to support the plant's liquid needs. Theplant toughens and minimizes the shock on the plant when it istransplanted to the micro-climate growing environment from a propagationenvironment. The purpose of this phase is to speed up the overall growthcycle by eliminating or minimizing the transplant shock phase of growth.

Transplant Shock is an undesirable phase of growth which is desirable toeliminate as much as possible, since transplant shock is a waste of timeand resources. Pre-veg toughening reduces transplant shocksignificantly, however a period of more intense irrigation and higherpermitted humidity, etc. may still be required to reduce the shock tothe plants and help the plants recover more quickly. This may be thefirst phase of growth where plants reside in the micro-climate.

Root Building is a phase where the root mass is quickly grown to adesired size where the plant is capable of quick uptake of nutrients sothat the composition of the chemical components in the irrigationsolution may be altered to move into the next phase. The root buildingphase generally has a less aggressive irrigation schedule with more rootformative components in the irrigation solution to make the roots searchfor nutrients and focus the plant's energy to the roots.

Vegetative is a vertical growth phase of the plant. Root mass may bemanaged during this phase by altering the chemistry of the nutrients tofavor green portions of the plant (stem and leaves), and changing to amore aggressive irrigation schedule so the roots no longer have toextend to find nutrients. Lighting schedules may be employed torepresent “summer” to the plant. Roots and root zones may be regularlysanitized to prevent the formation of algae or other microbes since thelighting and nutrient conditions favor algae and other microbe growth aswell.

Flowering is a production phase of the plant corresponding to “latesummer or autumn”. Aggressive irrigation may be maintained, temperatureslowered and light cycles shortened to convince the plant to put allgrowth energy into producing flowers and fruit. Color of the light mayalso be changed to simulate changing angle of natural sun. Nutrients maybe changed to a flowering specific chemistry. Some of the types offlavor additives may be used.

Leaching/Flavoring phase does not correspond to a natural phase of theplant life cycle. The purpose of leaching/flavoring is to permit naturalleaching or removal of any compounds used in the nutrient solution whichmay impart an undesirable flavor to the finished product. This phaseworks similar to osmosis where ions travel from an area of higherconcentration to an area of lower concentration across plant cellularboundaries, which is advantageously used in both directions by changingthe solution chemistry to contain not only compounds which are desiredin the product to enhance the flavor, but to remove compounds that taintthe product.

Final Stress is a phase of the life cycle roughly corresponding to thefirst frost of the year where the plant is essentially killed. Thisplant puts any last stored energy into ensuring offspring survival.Energy stored in tissue in the plant is taken up by buds. Irrigation isceased and lighting is adjusted appropriately.

Harvest marks the end of the growing phases of the plant and trackingfor processing stages is commenced. At this time any residual plantmaterial may be removed from the apparatus. Maintenance, sterilizationand replanting of the next crop would occur to repeat the process.

Examples

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, an embodiment of an apparatus 1for growing marijuana plants 5 (only one labeled) comprises a growthchamber 10 and a water management system 100 in fluid communication thegrowth chamber 10. The growth chamber 10 comprises walls 11 bounding aninternal space 12 containing a climate controlled micro-climate. Undernormal operating conditions, the micro-climate in the internal space 12is recirculated within the growth chamber 10 by an incoming air fan 14.Air exhaust the growth chamber through an exhaust conduit 36 and make-upair enters through an intake conduit 17. Before entering the growthchamber 10, the incoming air is filtered through a HEPA filter 15,conditioned for temperature and humidity through air conditioner 16 andpassed through the intake conduit 17 before being blown by the incomingair fan 14 through an air inlet 23 into a plurality of air blower tubes18 located in, proximate a bottom of and running a length of the growthchamber 10. The air blower tubes 18 comprise a plurality of blow holes20 (only one labeled) through which air is vigorously blown to encourageair mixing and circulation within the growth chamber 10.

The growth chamber 10 further comprises a plurality of growing tubes 25comprising a plurality of apertures 26 (only one labeled) in which themarijuana plants 5 are supported with root balls 27 (only one labeled)contained in an interior 28 of the growing tubes 25 and stems 29 (onlyone labeled) exterior to the growing tubes 25 but within the growthchamber 10. The growing tubes 25 further comprise a plurality of waterinlets 30 (only one labeled) through which water and other chemicalcomponents (e.g. nutrients, peroxide, marker dye, flavor additives andthe like) may be introduced to the root balls 27 in the interior 28 ofthe growing tubes 25. Each water inlet 30 is fed by a water feederconduit 105 forming part of the water management system 100. The waterfeeder conduits 105 (only one labeled) are in fluid communication withdistribution heads 106 in a water header line 107 fluidly connected to awater treatment zone 101 of the water management system 100 through anoutgoing feed line 108. Nutrient-rich water sprayed through the waterinlets 30 onto the root balls 27 drains through the growing tubes 25exiting the growing tubes 25 through water outlets 32. From the growingtubes 25, water returns to the water management zone 101 through areturn feed line 109 of the water management system 100.

The growth chamber 10 further comprises an air outlet 33 through whichthe circulating air stream exits the growth chamber 10. An exhaust fan37 draws outgoing air from the growth chamber 10 through the carbonfilter 34 and pushes it out through the exhaust conduit 36. Thismaintains a slight negative pressure within the growth chamber 10,relative to an external environment outside the growth chamber 10. Thecarbon filter 34 filters odor-causing compounds before the air isexhausted. An odor sensor 38 proximate and downstream of the carbonfilter 34 detects whether any odor-causing compounds are present in thefiltered outgoing air in conduit 36. Because the growth chamber 10 isunder negative pressure, any leaks in the growth chamber 10 cause air toenter rather than exit the growth chamber. Thus, odor-causing compoundsare only able to exit from the growth chamber 10 through the air outlet33 where the filter 34 and odor sensor 38 is located. An optional filterlife sensor 39 is also located at the carbon filter 34 to warn inadvance of leakage when the filter needs to be changed.

The growth chamber 10 further comprises lamp fixtures 40 with lamps 41and lamp ballasts 42 to provide light for growing the marijuana plants5. A pressure sensor 43, a humidity sensor 44 and a temperature sensor45 determine the pressure, temperature and relative humidity,respectively, in the growth chamber 10. Other pressure, temperature andhumidity sensors may be deployed in the growth chamber 10 at specificlocations for determining exact conditions at those locations. Anoptical imaging sensor 46 (e.g. a camera) provides a view of theinterior of the growth chamber 10.

With reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 and specific reference toFIG. 3, the water management system 100 comprises the water treatmentzone 101. There may be one water management system per growth chamber,more than one water management system per growth chamber or more thanone growth chamber per water management system. The water treatment zone101 comprises various tanks, conduits, valves, pumps, sensors and otherstructures for storing, transporting, diverting and treating water andother chemicals for use in growing the marijuana plants 5. The watermanagement system 100 together with the growth chamber 10 may beautomatically controlled by a growing system controller 50 programmed toautomatically adjust parameters of the water management system 100 andgrowth chamber 10 in response to signals sent from the sensors to thegrowing system controller 50. In this manner, the entire apparatus 1 maybe automatically controlled without the need for operator interventionexcept in the case of emergencies or when adjustments to the program aredesired.

Water may be initially supplied to and replenished in the watertreatment zone 101 from an external water supply 90, which may be forexample city water, well water, and the like. Water from the externalwater supply 90 may enter into a water deionizer 112 via an externalwater supply line 111. Deionized water from the water deionizer 112 maybe transported through a conduit 180 to one or more mixing and storagetanks (e.g. 113, 114, 115) and one or more chemical supply tubs (e.g.116, 117, 118). Mixing and storage tanks may include, for example, awater/peroxide tank 113, a first feed cycle tank 114 and a second feedcycle tank 115. Chemical supply tubs may include, for example, one ormore nutrient tubs 116 containing nutrients (e.g. sugars, traceelements, fertilizers), alkali, enzymes, flavor additives, marker dyesand the like in concentrated form, an acid tub 117 containingconcentrated acid and a hydrogen peroxide tub 118 containingconcentrated hydrogen peroxide. A primary deionized water flow valve 160may control flow of the deionized water from the water deionizer 112 toall of the tanks and tubs.

Chemical components from each of the tubs 116, 117, 118 may be providedin a measured manner through a conduit 181 to one or more of the mixingand storage tanks 113, 114, 115 by metering pumps 150 (only onelabeled), each of the tubs 116, 117, 118 having a dedicated meteringpump 150. Valves 161, 162, 163 associated respectively with mixing andstorage tanks 113, 114, 115 may control whether the water and otherchemical components enter the respective tanks depending on currentoperational requirements. Each of metering pumps 150 may also be inelectronic communication with the growing system controller 50 throughan electrical conduit 182 (only one labeled), which may be in electroniccommunication with a master electrical conduit 183 that leads back to abreakout terminal 120 of the growing system controller 50. The breakoutterminal 120 may permit distributing control commands from the growingsystem controller 50 to various sub-systems. Similarly, each of thevalves 161, 162, 163 may be in electronic communication with electricalconduits 184 (only one labeled), which may be in electroniccommunication with a master tank electrical conduit 185 that leads backto the breakout terminal 120. Likewise, the primary deionized water flowvalve 160 may be in electronic communication with the master tankelectrical conduit 185 that leads back to the breakout terminal 120.

Each mixing and storage tank 113, 114, 115 may comprise a cooling coil121, 122, 123, respectively, connected to a chiller and pump assembly151, 152, 153, respectively, for cooling fluid in the tanks 113, 114,115. The chiller and pump assemblies 151, 152, 153 may furtherrecirculate the fluids in the tanks 113, 114, 115 by receiving fluidfrom the bottoms of the tanks 113, 114, 115 and pumping the fluidthrough tank recirculation conduits 186, 187, 188, respectively, backinto the tanks 113, 114, 115 proximate the top of the tanks 113, 114,115. Recirculation permits mixing of the other chemical components inthe water and also promotes an even temperature throughout the fluid.The tanks 113, 114, 115 may comprise tank recirculation outlets 124,125, 126, respectively, in fluid communication with tank recirculationvalves 164, 165, 166, respectively, in fluid communication with thechiller and pump assemblies 151, 152, 153, respectively, to permitrecirculation of the fluid out from proximate the bottoms of the tanks113, 114, 115. The tank recirculation valves 164, 165, 166 may befurther in electronic communication with tank recirculation electricalconduit 189 that leads back to the breakout terminal 120. The tanks 113,114, 115 may further comprise tank feed outlets 127, 128, 129,respectively, in fluid communication with a primary tank feed outflowconduit 190 through tank feed valves 167, 168, 169, respectively. Thetank feed valves 167, 168, 169 may be further in electroniccommunication with tank recirculation electrical conduit 189 that leadsback to the breakout terminal 120.

Water and other chemical components flowing in the primary tank feedoutflow conduit 190 may pass through one or more outgoing feed valves,for example two outgoing feed valves 170, 171, to one or more outgoingfeed pumps, for example two outgoing feed pumps 154, 155. The outgoingfeed valves 170, 171 may be further in electronic communication with thetank recirculation electrical conduit 189 that leads back to thebreakout terminal 120. The outgoing feed pumps 154, 155 may be furtherin electronic communication with an outgoing feed pump electricalconduit 192 that leads back to the breakout terminal 120. Fluid pumpedout of the outgoing feed pumps 154, 155 may pass through one or morecheck valves, for example two check valves 172, 173, to prevent backwashof fluid into the outgoing feed pumps 154, 155, Fluid from the checkvalves 172, 173 may pass through one or more particle filters, forexample two particle filters 130, 131, before entering the outgoing feedline 108 to be transported to the water header line 107 in the growthchamber 10. Some fluid in outgoing feed line 108 on the way to thegrowth chamber 10 may be diverted at outgoing feed sampling valve 174through an outgoing feed sampling conduit 193 into sampling area 132where a colorimeter 133 (e.g. a spectrophotometer) may be employed tomeasure levels of various other chemical components (e.g. enzymes,peroxide, or a marker dye as a proxy for other chemical components) inthe outgoing fluid feed. The sampled fluid may be recirculated back intothe tanks 113, 114, 115 proximate the top of the tanks 113, 114, 115 viaa primary tank return conduit 194.

Water and other chemical components returning from the growth chamber 10to the water treatment zone 101 may arrive in the water treatment zone101 through the return feed line 109. A return line pump 156 may assistwith pumping the fluid away from the growth chamber 10 through thereturn feed line 109 to screen filter 135. From the screen filter 135,the return line pump 156 may pump the returned fluid through one or moresterilization modules 136 to kill bacteria, mold spores and other pestorganisms. Any suitable sterilization module may be employed, forexample ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers. Sterilized fluid leaving thesterilization modules 136 may be returned to the tanks 113, 114, 115 viathe primary tank return conduit 194. Returning fluid tank valves 175,176, 177 associated respectively with mixing and storage tanks 113, 114,115 may control whether the returning water and other chemicalcomponents enter the respective tanks depending on current operationalrequirements. The returning fluid tank valves 175, 176, 177 may befurther in electronic communication with the tank recirculationelectrical conduit 189 that leads back to the breakout terminal 120.

One or more, preferably all, of the valves and pumps in the watertreatment zone 101 may be electrically operable and under the control ofthe growing system controller 50. While the above description describesthe use of electrical conduits for electronic communication, electroniccommunication may be accomplished in any suitable manner, for examplewirelessly, in addition to or instead of through electrical conduits.

Various sensors may be associated with different elements of the watertreatment zone 101 to measure various parameters and provide feedback tothe growing system controller 50. The growing system controller 50 maybe programmed to automatically adjust parameters of the water managementsystem 100 and growth chamber 10 in response to signals sent from thesensors in the water treatment zone 101. Each tank 113, 114, 115 maycomprise one or more tank sensors 137, 138, 139 to measure one or moreparameters of the fluid in the tanks, for example one or more oftemperature, fluid level, oxygen content, pH, total dispersed solids(TDS), concentration of marker dye, concentration of flavor additive,concentration of nutrients, and the like. Each chemical supply tub 116,117, 118 may also have one or more sensors, for example supply tubsensors 140 (only one labeled), 141 142, respectively, for measuring theamount of chemical remaining the tubs 116, 117, 118. The sensors 137,138, 139, 140, 141, 142 may be in electronic communication with thegrowing system controller 50 through sensor electrical lines 195, or inany other suitable manner, for example wirelessly.

Referring to FIG. 4, a facility 200 for growing marijuana plants maycomprise a building 210 and a plurality of the apparatuses 1 (only onelabeled) for growing marijuana plants inside the building 210. In thisembodiment, the building comprises two climate controlled areas 220, 230each comprising six marijuana growing apparatuses 1 for a total of sixgrowth chamber 10 (only one labeled) per area. The two areas 220, 230separately receive HEPA-filtered and air-conditioned air from separateHEPA air purification systems 221, 231 and air conditioners 222, 232.The HEPA air purification systems 221, 231 receive air through air ducts223, 233, respectively, from area 240 of the building 210, and thefiltered and air conditioned air 224, 234 provide a positive airpressure environment around the apparatuses 1, the interiors of theapparatuses 1 having a relatively lower air pressure than the airpressure in the areas 220, 230. The apparatuses 1 take in the filteredand air conditioned air 224, 234 in areas 220, 230 before ventingexhaust air 225, 235 back out of the areas 220, 230 through ducts intothe area 240. Building fans 250 vent exhausted air 225, 235 to anexterior of the building 210 and building odor sensors 255 detect anyodors being carried by the exhausted air 225, 235. A controller 260 inthe building may be in electronic communication with the airconditioners 222, 232, building odor sensors 255 and/or the buildingfans 250 so that if one or more of the building odor sensors 255 detectodors the exhausted air 225, 235, the controller 260 can do one or moreof reduce fan speed of the air conditioners 222, 232 and reverse fandirection of the building fans 250 to provide a negative pressure in theareas 220, 230 relative to the air pressure in the area 240. In thismanner, air from an exterior of the building 210 will flow into thebuilding to reduce the chance of odors leaking from the building whileremedial action is taken. Further, the controller 260 may be inelectronic communication with the controllers of the apparatuses 1 tocease operations of the growth chambers in the event of an odor beingdetected by the building odor sensors 255.

Referring to FIG. 5, a feedback control system for a facility forgrowing marijuana plants is shown. The facility 375 comprises a growingsystem 320 situated in an interior space of a building envelope 300. Thegrowing system 320 comprises a growth chamber 344, a water managementsystem 346 and a growing system controller 322 in electroniccommunication with elements of the growth chamber 344 and watermanagement system 346. The growing system controller 322 comprises amemory 328 to store data 332, for example operational parameters fromthe growth chamber 344 and water management system 346, and computerexecutable code in the form of programs 330 for operating the growingsystem 320. A processor 324 executes the programs 330 utilizing the data332 and sends signals through an input/output (I/O) device 326 to pumps3461, valves 3462, other water management devices 3464 (e.g. UVsterilizers) of the water management system 346 and to fans 3441, HVACunits 3442 and other growth chamber devices 3443 (e.g. lamps) of thegrowth chamber 344 to operate the growing system 320. Sensors 3444associated with the growth chamber 344 and sensors 3464 in associationwith the water management system 346 provide signals to the growingsystem controller 322 through the I/O device 326, the signals providingan indication of the status of various operational parameters. Thesignals are interpreted by the processor 324 and stored as data 332 inthe memory 328. The programs 330 may automatically utilize the data todetermine whether to make changes to the operational status of theelements of the growth chamber 344 and/or water management system 346.

The building envelope 300 comprises a central controller 302 inelectronic communication with elements of the building envelope 300. Thecentral controller 302 comprises a memory 308 to store data 312, forexample operational parameters of fans 314 and HVAC systems 316, andcomputer executable code in the form of programs 310 for operating thefacility 375. A processor 304 executes the programs 331 utilizing thedata 312 and sends signals through an input/output (I/O) device 306 tothe fans 314, the HVAC systems 316 and/or the growing system 320.Sensors 318 associated with the building envelope 300 provide signals tothe central controller 302 through the I/O device 306, the signalsproviding an indication of the status of various operational parametersof the building envelope 300. Further, the growing system controller 322sends signals to the central controller 302, the signals providing anindication of the status of various operational parameters of thegrowing system 320. The signals are interpreted by the processor 304 andstored as data 312 in the memory 308. The programs 310 may automaticallyutilize the data to determine whether to make changes to the operationalstatus of the building envelope 300 and/or the growing system 320.

Thus, feedback signals received from the sensors 318 of the buildingenvelope 300 and the sensors 3444, 3464 of the growing system 320 may beprocessed together by the central controller 302 to determine whetherany changes to the facility 375 need to be made and then to implementthe changes by sending instructions to elements of the building envelope300, growing system 320 or both. Such an integrated feedback approachpermits optimization of growing conditions and prevention of odorrelease and crop contamination without necessarily requiring operatingintervention. However, the central controller 302 may also be inelectronic communication with a user interface, for example a computerterminal 350 where an operator may monitor the status of the facility,receive automated alerts and/or alarms from the central controller 302and/or manually input changes to the programs 310, 330 and/or data 312,332.

The novel features will become apparent to those of skill in the artupon examination of the description. It should be understood, however,that the scope of the claims should not be limited by the embodiments,but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with thewording of the claims and the specification as a whole.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for growing marijuana plantscomprising: a growth chamber containing a climate controlledmicro-climate and having an air inlet, an air outlet, and at least onesensor for monitoring humidity; a heating-ventilation-and-cooling (HVAC)system comprising one or more air moving devices configured to move airfrom the air inlet through the growth chamber to the air outlet, and atleast two sets of filters comprising a first set of filters for the airoutlet comprising at least a carbon filter and a second set of filtersfor the air inlet comprising at least a filter for airbornecontaminants; at least one marijuana plant support structure situated inthe growth chamber, the plant support structure configured toaeroponically support a marijuana plant with exposure of roots of themarijuana plant to air while permitting an irrigation solution to besprayed on the roots, the plant support structure comprising a tube thatsupports the marijuana plant so that the roots are within the tube and astem is outside the tube when the plant is supported by the tube, theroots within a root zone inside the tube and the stem within a stalkzone outside the tube; a water management system in fluid communicationwith the plant support structure configured to deliver water and otherchemical components to at least the roots of the marijuana plant; acontroller in electronic communication with the at least one sensor, thecontroller configured to control the growth chamber, water managementsystem or both in response to a signal from the at least one sensor;wherein signals from the at least one sensor prompt the controller tooperate the HVAC; and, wherein the controller is configured to managehumidity in the root zone separately from humidity in the stalk zone. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configuredto change humidity conditions in the stalk zone depending on a growthstage of the marijuana plant.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theHVAC system further comprises an air conditioner.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality ofhumidity sensors.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the watermanagement system comprises a water treatment zone and conduitsconfigured to recirculate the water and other chemical componentsbetween the plant support structure and the water treatment zone fortreatment.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the water treatment zonecomprises at least a particle filter and a water deionizer.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the water treatment zone further comprisesa sterilization module.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprisingan odor sensor configured to sense odors exhausting from the growthchamber.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water managementsystem comprises a water treatment zone and conduits configured torecirculate the water and other chemical components between the plantsupport structure and the water treatment zone, and wherein the at leastone parameter comprises a parameter of the recirculating water and otherchemical components, the at least one sensor comprising a sensor forsensing the parameter of the recirculating water and other chemicalcomponents.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sensor for sensingthe parameter of the recirculating water and other chemical componentscomprises a nutrient level sensor, a flow sensor, a water level sensor,a pH sensor, a temperature sensor or any combination of sensorstherefor.
 11. An apparatus for growing marijuana plants comprising: agrowth chamber containing a climate controlled micro-climate and havingan air inlet, an air outlet and one or more air moving devicesconfigured to move air from the air inlet through the growth chamber tothe air outlet, and further comprising at least two sets of filters,wherein the at least two sets of filters comprise a first set of filtersfor the air outlet comprising at least a carbon filter and a second setof filters for the air inlet comprising at least a filter for airbornecontaminants; at least one marijuana plant support structure situated inthe growth chamber, the plant support structure configured to support amarijuana plant; a water management system in fluid communication withthe plant support structure configured to deliver water and otherchemical components to at least the roots of the marijuana plant; atleast one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter of thegrowth chamber, water management system or marijuana plant, the at leastone sensor comprising an optical device configured to detect size and/orcolor of at least a portion of the marijuana plant; and, a controller inelectronic communication with the at least one sensor and one or more ofthe growth chamber and water management system, the controllerconfigured to control the growth chamber, water management system orboth in response to a signal from the at least one sensor.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one sensor further comprisesa temperature sensor configured to sense temperature at one or morelocations in the growth chamber, a pressure sensor configured to senseair pressure in the growth chamber, a humidity sensor configured tosense relative humidity in the growth chamber or any combinationthereof.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one sensorcomprises an odor sensor configured to sense odors exhausting from thegrowth chamber.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising aheating-ventilation-and-cooling (HVAC) system for conditioning airwithin the growth chamber.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein theplant support structure comprises a tube that supports the marijuanaplant so that the roots are within the tube and a stem is outside thetube when the plant is supported by the tube.
 16. The apparatus of claim15, wherein the roots are in a root zone inside the tube and the stem isin a stalk zone outside the tube, wherein humidity in the root zone ismanaged separately from humidity in the stalk zone.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein humidity conditions in the growth chamber are changeddepending on growth stage of the plant.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein the growth chamber further comprises at least one sensorconfigured to sense at least one parameter of the growth chamber, watermanagement system or marijuana plant, the at least one sensor comprisingan optical device configured to detect size and/or color of at least aportion of the marijuana plant.